Assistant Director, Austin Water Environmental, Development, and Planning Services

Gfoat; Austin, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Austin's Austin Water department seeks a senior manager to lead Environmental, Planning, and Development Services. You will guide division activities, forecast demand, and develop long-range infrastructure plans, ensuring policy compliance and efficient budgeting.

Requires a PE license or outstanding qualifications, with extensive experience in water/wastewater utilities and contract oversight. This role reports to the Director and leads multiple programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 6 years of progressive management experience, incl. 3 in water/wastewater.
• Master’s degree may substitute for up to 2 years of experience.
• Texas Professional Engineer license (PE) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs division activities, forecasting supply/demand to improve efficiency.
• Develops asset management plans for water and wastewater assets.
• Plans long-range water/wastewater infrastructure and CIP spending.
• Sets goals, budgets, and resources for Environmental, Development, and Planning.
• Reviews and implements SOPs, policies, and procedures.

Skills

Budget planning

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Supervisory skills

Public speaking

Contract management

Resource planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree (substitution allowed)

Tools

Computers and related software

Job description

Purpose:

Under nominal direction of the Director of Austin Water (AW), this position is responsible for the Environmental, Planning, and Development Services program area. Provides a wide range of planning support functions to achieve optimum incorporation of integrated resources planning in the core structure and activities of the Utility.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Directs assigned division and section activities, including analyzing and forecasting supply and demand to ensure effectiveness and efficiency. Identifies and analyzes trends and determines methodologies to implement changes.
• Develops and implements plan steps for asset management plans for water and wastewater vertical, horizontal and real assets, including asset condition, criticality, and risk assessments.
• Develops and implements short- and long-range water, wastewater, and reclaimed water system supply and infrastructure planning, programs, and personnel that provide administrative, managerial and engineering support, program planning, and evaluation.
• Determines goals, objectives, and resource requirements for Environmental, Development, and Planning activities within assigned divisions.
• Develops, revises, and implements standard operating practices, policies, and procedures within assigned divisions. Ensures divisions are following all City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Develops and reviews water and wastewater hydraulic performance analysis of pipeline systems design and criteria. Provides long range planning through project prioritization on the 5- and 10-year Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) spending plans.
• Develops and reviews water, environmental, and natural resource plans to ensure resource protection, availability, conservation, and sustainability in compliance with Federal, State and Local requirements and needs.
• Reviews, approves, and implements quality and safety systems and programs.
• Assists in the preparation, presentation, and monitoring of departmental budget.
• Represents the department at City Council meetings, citizens groups, boards and commissions and external agencies and organizations.
• Provides support and coordination to other City departments and agencies as needed.
• Investigates and resolves Citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Reviews, analyzes, and prepares both written and oral reports.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal water and wastewater utility regulations.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of technical aspects of operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in managing multiple programs, projects, and tasks.
• Skill in negotiations and handling conflict resolution
• Skill in analyzing complex data from various sources, synthesizing collected information, and developing sound decisions/recommendations
• Skill in developing, reviewing, monitoring, and evaluating contracts for services and/or materials
• Ability to manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously within approved budgets
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent communication and working relationships with City personnel and the public.
• Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific civil engineering problems and provide practical, cost-effective solutions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Engineering, plus six (6) years of progressively responsible management experience in a related field, including at least three (3) years of experience with a water and wastewater utility.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

State of Texas Professional Engineer